Misibis Bay in a Day

Misibis Bay had been on my travel check list for a few years now. When we got the chance to visit Albay, we made sure to set aside one day to check out this luxurious island playground!

We booked a day tour with Highway8 Travel and Tours, cost was around P4,000 per person. (Rate may vary depending on season.) Kind of a steep price for a day trip. But compared to its overnight rate, day trip was the sound option. Package included buffet lunch, use of amenities and some non-motorized water sports.



Misibis, we're coming!

The small but elegant Hotel Venecia serves as meetup point for Misibis guests. Since we booked the trip through an agency, they arranged the hotel pickup (8 a.m.) and drove us to this hotel. From there, we transferred to the Misibis Bay shuttle.

It was a good 50 minutes drive to Misibis Bay. But we were entertained by the picturesque road and a real live rainbow! How lucky can one get?

where's my pot of gold?

When we finally arrived, we were surprised by a couple of dancers in colorful costumes grooving to some ethnic beats. What a cute way to greet visitors! After registration, we started our Misibis tour!



Groovin' greeting

Since we were on a lazy mode, we decided to warm up by picture taking and lounging at the pool area and wait for lunch.

Lunch was served at 12 noon, and we were surely the first ones to arrive. The buffet lunch was exceptional! Dishes were not too many but the food was good!
 

I need to give a special mention to their seafood cooked in  banana blossom and spicy coconut sauce. (I still drool whenever I think of this dish!)

First round of many

Seafood pasta



Take your pick

Pretty and yummy

 

Well-fed and satisfied, we called up the golf car to drive us around the island. We visited the Cagraray Eco-Energy Park where the Stella Maris Chapel is located.

Welcome to Eco Energy Park!

The hilltop chapel overlooks the sea and its glass panels give a grand view of the Mayon Volcano. I love the minimalist design so much that I mentally added this chapel to my future “wedding church list” (yeah dream on!)
 

Sunlit chapel

Stella Maris Chapel

If you crave some action, the park offers a mini zipline. It's not placed very high so those scared of heights can still enjoy a ride. ATV rides also available (but we did not get this since we already included this in our Albay city tour. Click here.)

For photo enthusiasts, there is an amphitheater that will serve as the perfect backdrop for your next instagram photo.  

Find your perfect spot and snap away!

Back to the resort, we explored the beach area and tried doing the stand up paddle. Hobbie Cat sailing was fun as our boat met the waves head on! Kayaking and wind surfing also available for free.

Sky, Sand and Sea



Hobbie Cat Sailing

Trying this thing called Stand Up Paddle

There are other water sports such as diving, banana boat, jet ski and sunset cruise, but these are not part of the day trip package and will incur additional charges. Day trip ends at 5pm.
 

The ratings:

Affordability: ***   
P4,000 for a day trip is quite a steep price for many.  
 

Luxury Level ****
All amenities are of good quality and in top condition as of writing. Buffet lunch though limited in choice, is superb. Restaurant is clean and well maintained.
 

Service ****
Resort personnel are all smiles and friendly. Clearly, staff have been well trained in customer service.
 

Activites ****
Water sports are available but most will incur extra charges. There is a recreation room with billiards, table tennis and foosball. Kids at heart will love the playroom complete with Playstation, Wii and X-box.

 

Amenities *****
Shower rooms are big and have lockers rooms. There is a gym for those who cannot miss a workout. Playroom and game room well equipped to house indoor activities, in case the weather is not cooperative.

 

 

Peach House's Verdict:

If you got a few thousand pesos to spare, or would like to "boast" of a recent  luxurious vacation, then this place is for you. I got a glimpse of the pool side rooms, they ARE very nice and luxe, but I recommend getting the day trip instead of an overnight stay. (Unless of course, you got more moolahs, just ignore me, please.) Water activities available but with charges. If you're not a water sports lover, indoor games will keep you entertained. Misibis Bay is also the perfect venue for those who plan to have a destination wedding. Think of a romantic beach wedding reception!

How was your Misibis trip? :)

Monkeys and Batu Caves (Kuala Lumpur Trip Day 3)

Anyone saw the hilarious episode of Asia's Next Top Model where monkeys were trying to steal fruits from the contestants during their shoot at the Batu Caves?

Well, this was the first scene we saw upon stepping out of the Batu Caves Station. So be warned, they roam around freely, but they seem friendly enough though.

 



This is a hold up, buddy! Give me your food!





I rule this place!

 

If you have an extra half day at Kuala Lumpur, a visit to Batu Caves is suggested. It is a break from the skyscrapers and malls of the city. Take time to enjoy nature

 

  



A small but lovely lake.

 

 

Since we arrived nearly noontime, the sun was too unforgiving. My elder companions were complaining (a bit too loudly) of the heat but were suddenly like kids again when they saw some pigeon feeding opportunity. As it turned out, yours truly was the one having ice cream and hiding in the shades while the “elders” were out under the sun roasting their hair and backs just to feed those feathery friends.

 

 

 

 

The highlight of the trip would be climbing up the 272 steps into the cave. It is not a difficult climb but elders who tire easily could just skip this activity.

 



Ready for some knee action?

 



Cave entrance

 

Up there, there are some Hindu deity statues and symbols. I am not familiar with Hinduism but I felt a sense of serenity upon entering the cave. (Just ignore the monkeys to achieve this state!)

 

 



Serenity... but more monkeys inside. Be warned!

 



Colorful Deities

 

I just wonder why there were no free guides inside. It would have been so much better if some signs or maybe a person could share some short stories of Hinduism to make Batu Caves more memorable to visitors.

 

 

After the semi tiring climb, do try the Indian restaurants around. Ordering might be a problem if you're not familiar with Indian cuisine, but that is exactly the fun part! So relax and enjoy! :)

 

Directions to Batu Caves:

1. Ride the MRT to KL Sentral Station

2. Transfer to Sentral KTM Komuter Line
3. Get your tickets for Batu Caves.




Look for KTM Komuter Line

 

 



Waiting for the train.

4. Enjoy the countryside scenery.

Exploring the City... and the Pigging Out Continues (Kuala Lumpur Trip - Day 2)

Doing research before a trip reaps benefits indeed. On our second day in KL, instead of the “mandatory” touristy trip to Petronas Twin Towers, we saved ourselves the time and trouble and got a much better deal at the KL Menara Tower.

 

KL Menara Tower from afar

 

Before the trip we made a reservation for a lunch buffet with its rotating restaurant the Atmosphere 360. The restaurant, located at the 88^th floor offers stunning 360-degree view of the whole city of Kuala Lumpur. For just the price of P1200 per person, you get to enjoy its buffet lunch and a free view at the top!  (www.atmosphere360.com.my)

 



Register Here



We arrived a bit too early for the buffet. (too excited, lol). We registered at the 2^nd floor counter and were given entrance tickets to the restaurant. They were strict with the schedule and would not allow anyone to go up unless it’s time. While waiting, one can walk around and check out the shops there. My companions bought honey, souvenir magnets and some scarves. 




Colorful Scarves

Honey Haven

 

For tired (or lazy peeps) there is an air-condioned audio visual room (refrain from snoring!)

 

If shopping is not your thing, there are many attractions in this tower to keep you entertained: Blue Coral Aquarium, Animal Zone, F1 Simulator Zone, Observation Deck (not recommended if you have already booked a dining session at Atmosphere 360), and KL Menara Eco Tourism. If you're lucky, you may chance upon their activites like the KL Tower Base Jump and Towerthon Challenge (fancy a stair climb?)  (www.menarakl.com.my)

 

Blue Coral Aquarium

 

 

Back to our favorite topic! Lunch at Atmosphere 360 is served in 2 sessions. (11:30 am to 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm). You have more than enough time to eat, take pictures, chat before they turn off the rotating mechanism. (TIP: If you got more moolahs to spare, the dinner buffet would be a better choice to enjoy the romantic night scene!)



Dining area rotates

Food served was International but focusing more on Malaysian, Indian and Chinese Cuisine. Dishes were not too many but considering the price and the view, the rate was a steal! (Wallet Dent: 88 Malaysian Ringgit per person)

Buffet area is stationary.

 

View from the top (the other twin was camera shy)

 

Atmosphere 360

To lose the many calories that we just consumed, our scheduled activity in the afternoon was a city tour. We took a cab ride (20 Malaysian Ringgit) to Masjid Jamek / Little India Area. We planned to visit the Masjid Jamek Mosque but sadly it was already closed for the day!

 

I got disappointed as I was really looking forward to my first mosque visit. So what’s a girl got to do? Just imagine a girl with nose pressed to the iron gate, rapidly snapping photos with a pair of trespassing arms. Yeah, you get the picture.

 



Masjid Jamek Mosque

 

There are also certain dress codes to remember and follow when entering places of worship.


Dress Code

 

Our next stop, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building which known for its Moorish architecture. Take time to walk around and feel its majestic presence. Fronting the building are some posters explaining the history of the buildings in the area. Read to learn something about them.

 

A picture-perfect Sultan Abdul Samad Building

 



Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Textile Museum

Our next stop was the city gallery. For this you may just stop by for 15 mins just to learn more of the city’s history. It is a small museum with a nice gift shop. There is a nice photo spot at the entrance.

 



City Gallery



 

Now it's time for shopping. We found our way to another gem in the city, the Central Market. Yes, there are the tourist souvenirs as expected but there are many cute and unique stuff to see. Antiques and retro items displayed side by side to lure any vintage lovers in. There are also local snacks sold here. Souvenirs by the way are much cheaper here compared to the other places.

 

Shop til you drop!

 

Artsy crafty stuff to love

 

 

Oriental decors for your home

Snack all you want!

 

It was nearly dinner time when we left Central Market. Our last stop for the day: Petaling street in Chinatown which was just a few minutes walk away. But again we were warned by some pedestrian to keep an eye on our belongings. Nearing Petaling, we heard the buzz and high energy of this street. Lots and lots of stalls sell souvenirs , clothes and snacks. Tourists and locals flock to this place. We bought some souvenir shirts (Size L at 6 Malaysian Ringgit) then looked for a restaurant for our dinner.

 

 

Almost there..

 

 

 

People, why are you all here?!

 

We chose a traditional Chinese restaurant called Kim Lian Kee. I had their Tom Yum noodles and it was delicious. Pared with a HK style milk tea, it was a perfect ending to my “little foodie trip.”

(Wallet Dent: Dinner for 3 at 28 Malaysian Ringgit)

Dinner Time

 



Slurp!

 

Back at the hotel (for the hotel review, click here) while my companions bought beers from the 7-11 across the street (don’t bother inquiring on the hotel’s exorbitant liquor prices), I had my “2^nd dinner” from the food cart on wheels just outside the hotel entrance. (Still not as good as that of Hong Kong’s sorry.)

Food cart outside Furama Bukit Bintang Hotel
 

 

Little did we know that the night refused to end without some more drama...
 

We stayed by the food cart and had a chit chat with the cart owner when we suddenly saw some guys shouting and running after a man. Every bystander's face was that of confusion. Later, it turned out that those were policemen in civilian clothes ambushing and running after a thief (a car-napper, if I understood correctly). They got him in under 2 minutes. (Wow, that was efficient!) We all stood there gaping at the scene then went on our own businesses after it ended, but one nosy girl  attempted to go near the handcuffed thief! (looking for something to post on facebook, maybe? :p)

 

And finally, we decided to call it a day...

 

 

Total Expenses (in Malaysian Ringit):

Buffet Breakfast at hotel (for 2 pax) - 40

Buffet Lunch (for 3 pax) - 264

Taxi Rides - 45

Dinner (for 3 pax)- 28

Souvenir Keychains/Pens/Magnets - 32.90

Souvenir Shirts - 64

Food Cart Snacks - 4

Beers - 27